Hug of thanks
By Ethan Benedicto
Three years after a horrific accident nearly claimed his life, David Francis has returned to thank the paramedics who kept him alive.
The 55-year-old motorcyclist suffered devastating injuries in 2021 after colliding with a car, puncturing both lungs, breaking dozens of bones, and spending more than a year in hospitals and rehabilitation.
“I broke about 95 bones,” he said.
“If the paramedics didn’t come to my accident, I wouldn’t be here today.”
On Monday, 22 September, Francis, now in a wheelchair, embraced Ambulance Victoria paramedic Amy Grimshaw and her colleagues in an emotional reunion.
Grimshaw, who responded to the crash as her first “heavy job,” recalled how quickly his condition deteriorated at the scene before he was airlifted to The Alfred in critical condition.
For Francis, reconnecting with the crew has been emotional, providing him with the missing pieces of what happened that day.
While his active life has changed dramatically,
Francis continues to push forward, even investing in a golf-powered wheelchair to keep his passion alive.
Together with Grimshaw, he is urging greater road awareness and kindness among drivers.
“We all share the road, and everyone has a family to go home to,” Francis said. More on the story, turn to page 2
David Francis exchanges a hug with Ambulance Victoria paramedic Rachel, who had helped to treat him at the crash scene. (Stewart Chambers: 504800)
Survivor thanks saviours
By Ethan Benedicto
After experiencing a life-changing accident that nearly took his life three years ago, David Francis returns to his saviours, giving them thanks and encouraging the message of safety on the road.
Now 55 years old, the last thing Francis could remember on the day of the accident was seeing a car coming at him from the corner of his eye; the next thing he could recall was being in the hospital four weeks later.
Ambulance Victoria paramedic, Amy Grimshaw, was among the emergency services personnel who were present during the incident in March 2022, and on the morning of Monday, 22 September, to greet Francis’ return to say thanks.
It was an emotional reunion, with Francis, in a wheelchair, accompanied by his daughter, came in and hugged the paramedics; they said it was good to see him again, up and well.
Speaking on the day, Grimshaw said that that had been her first “heavy job”, and also one that was unforgettable.
“My partner and I were first on the scene, and when we got there, Dave was lying on the road,” she said.
“He was kind of half under the guard rail, he had his gear on, his helmet, his leathers, he was doing all the right things.
“His bike was 100 metres down the road, and he was conscious, he was alert, he was able to talk to us, but he quickly began to deteriorate with his blood pressure, oxygen levels and conscious state dropping, and his heart rate increasing,” she said.
Grimshaw said that by the time the air ambulance arrived, Francis was almost unconscious.
Mobile intensive care unit ambulance (MICA) and advanced life support (ALS) crews were present on the scene, with Francis being flown out to The Alfred Hospital in critical condition.
“I punctured both lungs, broke all my ribs, nearly every bone in my face, both collarbones, dislocated and fractured my shoulder, broke my scapula and back, and severed my spinal cord; in total, I broke about 95 bones,” Francis said.
Francis underwent 17 surgeries and spent roughly four months in The Alfred, with another year in a rehabilitation hospital.
Six months after that, Francis suffered a stroke, with his blood pressure unstable after the collision; he survived, but it meant more time in the hospital and even more in rehab.
According to Grimshaw and her colleagues, Francis reaching out had been the first time anything like that had happened.
On the other hand, Francis said that it almost felt like he needed to, and ever since he made contact a few months back, “things have been emotional”.
“It’s one of those things where I’ve heard stories of what happened to me, but I don’t actually know until I talk to them.
“I didn’t know if it was possible to reach out and talk to the paramedics, but I’m very, very thankful because they saved my life.
“Iftheydidn’tcometomyaccident,Iwouldn’t be here today,” he said.
Francis had a passion and love for golf; he was a shareholder of the Drummond Golf branch in Dandenong, and, in addition to the sport, had been an active person.
After the accident, however, things had changed dramatically; he said that the worst part was that everyone had to do things for him, and that it was frustrating.
She recalled that there would be others who would talk about not being able to get up, but said that Francis always pushed himself ahead. Despite being the most difficult part, he said that “you’ve just got to find a different way to live”. On that note, Francis’ passion for gold hasn’t waned, and now, he’s put his foot down for the purchase of a Paramotion golf-powered wheelchair, a mobility aide that he is more than excited for.
In the grand scheme of things, he and Grimshaw have called for more awareness on roads, with Francis emphasising that “we all share the road, and everyone has a family to go back home to”.
His and his family’s accounts were that the driver who had collided with Francis initially left the scene, but was later brought back by another motorist.
Furthermore, during the court process, Francis recalled that the other party received only a $1000 fine and nothing more.
“I knew that nothing in my life would be the same; it was all gone; I said to my kids and my parents that it feels like you’re a five-year-old again.
“It’s been a lot of rehab, a lot of care from family, friends, the care workers, and it’s a lot of rough
It was an uphill battle that Francis fought, on both the physical and mental end, lamenting that “I was always active, always in the gym, playing golf, riding my bike, and all of a sudden you’re 52 and your life’s changed forever”.
days that you have where you think, ‘is it all worth it?’
“And it’s about honesty, you have to be honest with yourself because some days are tougher than others,” he said.
One of the lighter things that pushed Francis was when his daughter pointed out that during his recovery period, he had never missed a shower, despite being stuck in a wheelchair.
“We have family, friends, jobs and a home to get back to; I think we just need to be kinder to one another,” he said.
“I can’t say a big enough thank you to all the paramedics, because again, they saved my life.”
To Grimshaw, seeing him on the day served as a reminder of their work as first responders.
“It’s rewarding to see David again and it’s a reminder that we make a difference, knowing that something we did that day contributed to keeping him alive,” she said.
Rule ‘tweak’ could be a game-changer for retirement villagers
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Retirement village residents are being unfairly locked out of reverse mortgages, says Dandenong man Bob Barrett.
Mr Barrett is calling for state law reform or a “tweak in the rules” so he can access his home’s equity to help his daughter into the otherwise “out of reach” property market.
He says his neighbours at Valley Village Mews are also supportive, out of a need for a “better quality of life”.
They could put the cash to a “myriad” of benefits, such as holidays and medical expenses, he says.
“I realise that some rules and regulations may have to be altered but the results would be a game-changer for all concerned and the econ-
omy in general.
“It doesn’t hurt anybody and it helps everyone.”
Mr Barrett says despite owning his home, he’s unable to access its equity due to a caveat.
The caveat is designed to ensure that Valley Village Mews fees are covered when the property is sold, he says.
“But that still leaves many hundreds of thousands of dollars left over.
“Some residents have considered selling because of this silly situation.”
Another issue is that lenders reportedly won’t issue reverse mortgages because retirement-village residents may own their homes but not the freehold.
Ben Rogers, who is CEO of Council on the Ageing Victoria and Senior Rights Victoria, says
a solution should be found for retirement village-residents who are often “asset rich but cash poor”.
“Retirement villages can be a great housing option for older Victorians – but they may not be
the right choice for all.
“We understand the frustration many older people in retirement villages feel when they are unable to access the value of their home through reverse mortgages or similar options.
“Due to the way in which retirement villages are set up, and the way lenders assess risk, residents can often find themselves asset-rich but cash-poor.”
Rogers said the aim should be to meet residents’ financial needs without undermining the stability of retirement villages, or increasing their risk of elder abuse.
“Looking at different ways to unlock equity, along with access to independent financial advice, are important steps towards that balance.”
The State Government was contacted for comment.
David Francis (centre), holds the leathers he wore on the day of the accident, a touching but painful moment. He is accompanied by his daughter Hayley (right), and the paramedics who saved his life three years ago. (Supplied)
Bob Barrett says it’s unfair that retirement village homeowners are locked out of reverse mortgages. (Stewart Chambers: 496860)
David Francis. (Stewart Chambers: 504800)
Paramedic Amy, Hayley Francis and David Francis with his jacket he wore during the crash. (Stewart Chambers: 504800)
A jacket that had to be cut off David Francis at the crash scene. (Stewart Chambers: 504800)
Claim knocked back
By Ethan Benedicto
A Cranbourne North service station has failed in its attempt to be compensated for lost trade during major roadworks, after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) found its case had no legal foundation.
APCO Service Stations Pty Ltd, which operates at 315 Narre Warren Road, lodged an application in December 2024 seeking compensation of $413,202 for reduced sales during upgrades at the Hall Road and Thompsons Road intersection.
The works, part of the Suburban Road Upgrades project, began in early 2024 and involved lane closures and traffic diversions around the site.
The company argued that restricted access to its site between January and February 2024 caused a drop in both fuel and retail sales.
Initially, APCO sought compensation under both the Road Management Act 2004 (RM Act) and the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009 (MTPF Act).
By February 2025, it abandoned its Road Management Act claim and pursued the matter solely under section 191A of the MTPF Act.
That section entitles landholders to compensation if access to their property is denied as a direct result of the project authority exercising powers to temporarily deviate a road or divert traffic onto a “temporary roadway” or “temporarily deviated road”.
APCO claimed that the contraflow traffic arrangement near its service station amounted to a diversion onto a temporary roadway, triggering the compensation pathway.
It said the effect of the works was to deny customers proper access, resulting in a significant loss of profit.
The Department of Transport and Planning, acting as project authority, rejected this position.
It argued that all detours used existing arterial roads within the network, and that no new or temporary roadway was created.
It also noted that no Government Gazette notice, which the Act requires if a road is temporarily deviated or a temporary roadway established, had been issued.
The Tribunal agreed with the Department’s interpretation, with Senior Member Justine Jacono and Member Sarah Porritt saying the works did not involve a temporary roadway or temporarily deviated road, and therefore the legal trigger for compensation was never engaged.
“There was not a temporary deviation of any roadway or road,” the members wrote.
“The temporary diversion of traffic onto an existing road that is part of the declared arterial road network does not fall within the scope of subsection 186D(1)(c) because there was no diversion of traffic ‘onto a temporary roadway’.”
The Tribunal also dismissed APCO’s suggestion that simply lodging and processing a claim under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act was enough to enliven its jurisdiction.
It stressed that VCAT can only determine a claim if an enabling provision in other legislation first grants a right to compensation.
“There must be a proper basis for any application to the Tribunal, which requires … identification of an enabling enactment,” the decision stated.
VCAT ultimately concluded the claim was “misconceived and doomed to fail” and dismissed it summarily under section 75 of the VCAT Act.
That provision allows the Tribunal to strike out matters that are bound to fail without the need for a full hearing.
Because the statutory preconditions were not met, the Tribunal did not consider questions of actual financial loss, adequacy of alternative access, or the scale of APCO’s claimed damages.
The decision highlights the narrow scope of compensation available to businesses affected by major road projects.
Unless authorities formally exercise powers to create a temporary roadway or deviated road, traders inconvenienced by construction works may struggle to pursue compensation through the Tribunal.
For APCO, the outcome ends a year-long attempt to recover losses it says were caused by the upgrade; and for other businesses along the Narre Warren–Cranbourne Road corridor, the ruling may serve as a reminder of the limits of state law when it comes to recouping the costs of disruption.
Baskets full of donations for those in need
By Ethan Benedicto
The pyjama day at St Francis De Sales was a massive success as students donned their favourite comfy clothes, and baskets of donations were gathered.
There were a total of eight baskets of toiletries received, with four donated to the Lynbrook Community Centre and the other four for the Berwick Soup Van.
Giuliana Faiola, the school’s extra-curricular coordinator and the Mini Vinnies’ facilitator, said that “the students were very excited as soon as it was mentioned during assembly”.
“I was on duty on that day [Monday 15 September], and as I walked in, I asked the little ones, ‘did it take you long to get dressed this morning?’ and they laughed and said no, but they were all just very excited.
“The donations, especially, were amazing; there were eight laundry baskets full of items, and there were even bags of shampoos or toothbrushes that the Mini Vinnies put together,” she said. Faiola said that seeing it all come together, considering that it had been a student-led endeavour, was really amazing.
“I’m just really proud since it was something that the kids came up with, and I definitely think it’s something that they’re going to do again next year,” she said.
Would you like to be part of a friendship club with a purpose?
If so, Inner Wheel Club Cranbourne invites you to join. We are like-minded women in action, working together both locally and globally, to make a difference and improve lives.
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Man avoids deportation
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A man who bundled an alleged drug-debtee into a car in Cranbourne and demanded $1000 from his parents for his safe release has seemingly avoided deportation.
Christoper Pasi pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to false imprisonment and common-law assault. Pasi, 30, and with no fixed address at the time, was filling up a Mercedes at a High Street servo as the victim walked past on 30 September 2023.
Judge Andrew Palmer said Pasi used his superior size and strength to force the victim to “do what he was told”.
The victim was forced inside the back of the vehicle and to later sit down and “shut up” on the floor of a unit’s garage in Sharpe Street.
The victim’s phone rang. Pasi spoke to the victim’s parents, while the victim cried and yelled to his mum for help. After the call, Pasi punched the victim twice in the face and ordered him to clean up his blood off the floor.
Pasi showed the victim a bag of bullets, saying: “One of them is for you and the others are for your family.”
Mum rang again, Pasi told her the victim took drugs from someone and didn’t pay. The victim was “dead”, he said.
“Give me the $1000 and (he) will be free.”
After about an hour, the victim was forced inside a Commodore and dropped off in Clyde North.
According to a prosecution summary, Pasi was arrested by Special Operations Group police at a property in Hallam five months later. In sentencing on 18 September, Judge Palmer said the violent ordeal would have been “frightening” for the victim and given his parents “serious concerns for his safety”.
The offending was serious, but not in the highest range, the judge noted. After some stints in a youth justice centre, Pasi had gone 10 years without offending. However, the father-of-four lost his job as a forklift driver during Covid. He hadn’t worked since and descended into daily meth abuse – and hence back into crime. The best way for Pasi to avoid reoffending and being deported was to stop using meth and start working again, Judge Palmer told him.
He had “done really well” since being released on CISP bail in late 2024, which was a good sign for his rehabilitation.
On the other hand, Pasi had since given a “minimalising” account of his offending.
Judge Palmer stated Pasi would avoid a 12-month jail sentence, which would trigger his potential deportation to his New Zealand homeland.
“You’ve shown you can get back on track, so there’s no reason why you cannot do it.”
Pasi was jailed for 284 days – which was already served in pre-sentence remand – and given a two-year supervised community correction order. The CCO included 150 hours of unpaid work and treatment for drug, alcohol and mental health issues.
INSET: Other students also took part in the Houses at Parliament, origami homes project to advocate for homelessness. (Supplied)
Danae, Zoe, Ghezana, and Dominique with the baskets of donations. (Supplied)
(Stewart Chambers: 505445)
Mayor mulls another term
By Ethan Benedicto and Cam Lucadou-Wells
After a “transition“ year, Casey mayor Stefan Koomen is considering a tilt at re-election for a second consecutive mayoral term in November.
Manufacturing hub
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) is Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse that can drive future economic growth, according to a new report by Deloitte Access Economics.
But “urgent investment” is needed to lead an “economic renaissance”, says GSEM regional alliance’s chair Simon McKeon in response to the report.
The report GSEM: Australia’s Manufacturing Powerhouse was launched in Dandenong on 23 September with GSEM, South East Melbourne Manufacturing Alliance (SEMMA), councils and industry representatives, as well as Federal Industry and Science Minister Tim Ayres and local federal MPs.
Minister Ayres took questions from the floor from industry leaders such as from Ego Pharmaceuticals and Catten Industries on topics such as high energy and other costs, as well as being handed a copy of SEMMA’s Australian Manufacturing Blueprint.
SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said the blueprint was “not afraid to set targets - like 10 per cent GDP for manufacturing in five years”.
“If our blueprint is implemented it can be achieved.
“Dandenong and the Greater South East of Melbourne has been at the centre of manufacturing in this state for a very long time – and SEMMA will continue to advocate for manufacturers to ensure this region remains front and centre of all things manufacturing in this state.
“We wear this tag with pride – SEMMA represents Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse.”
The Deloittes report found that the GSEM region supports more manufacturing jobs and businesses per capita than other manufacturing centres.
Per capita, the region had overtaken Western Sydney as the nation’s “leading industrial engine room”.
“GSEM [is] the largest and most important
manufacturing hub in Victoria and Australia,” the report stated.
“[It is] distinguished by its scale, advanced manufacturing capabilities, skilled workforce, and proximity to key transport corridors.”
However, the report calls for action on constraints such as limited land availability, skills challenges and freight infrastructure.
It identified available industrial land at Officer South and Port of Hastings but little in “key Inner East and South East regions”.
The limited capacity of Monash Freeway, Princes Highway and Eastlink connections, as well as a lack of direct rail freight links, were also noted.
Major transport projects were required such as the Thompsons Road upgrade, Dandenong South Intermodal Terminal and the proposed South East Airport.
The report also warned of a low share of young workers in the sector, and skills gaps for advanced manufacturing roles.
“If local training and national migration and
skills policy do not keep pace, firms may struggle to scale advanced production lines in the region.”
In response, McKeon called for urgent investment in infrastructure, skills and innovation.
“South East Melbourne is uniquely placed to lead Australia’s economic renaissance, with advanced manufacturing at the core.
“If Australia wants to fix its productivity crisis and continue to power economic growth, it will be the workers and businesses across Melbourne’s south-east leading the charge.”
The GSEM region comprises eight local government areas including Greater Dandenong, Monash, Casey and Cardinia.
It is home to 3801 manufacturing businesses, employing more than 75,000 – or 27 per cent of Victoria’s manufacturing workforce.
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti says the numbers show that the GSEM region was a “big player in the Australian market”, including being home to 1.5 million residents and 500,000 total jobs.
“We’re bigger than Tasmania or Adelaidewe could be a state. It’s time for the South East to lead Australia now.”
Manufacturing jobs in the GSEM region were projected to have grown 9.3 per cent between 2016 and 2025, defying a shrinkage across Australia (-0.5 per cent) and in western Sydney (-4.7 per cent).
The region benefits from high-tech industries such as advanced materials, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and transport equipment, as well as “world-class industrial clusters” in Clayton and Dandenong.
Greater Dandenong accounts for a third of GSEM’s manufacturing output, including a large transport-equipment sector such as Jayco, Nissan Casting Australia and Alstom.
GSEM was well placed near key transport corridors connecting to Port of Melbourne and Melbourne Airport for international markets, the report found.
Cr Koomen was elected as Casey’s first mayor since councillors were sacked and the council placed under administration during an IBAC inquiry in 2020.
“This year has been one of transition, with monitors overseeing the new council for our first 12 months.
“I believe the continuity of leadership and experience could benefit the group moving forward into our second year.
“While the decision about future leadership rests with councillors, it’s certainly something I will consider as we approach November.“
Cr Koomen said it had been an “incredible honour” to lead at the start of “this new chapter” for the council and to help “restore democracy and rebuild trust in our community”.
Good governance and transparency were key priorities, with residents telling councillors prior to last year’s elections that trust in the council had been eroded, Koomen said.
Residents had also said during the five-year period without elected councillors that they felt they had “no voice or outlet” to engage with Casey, he said.
“That absence was deeply felt, and I’ve made it a priority to be visible, accessible, and responsive.
“Whether it’s attending community events, hosting forums, or simply chatting with residents at a local cafe, I’ve genuinely enjoyed hearing directly from the people we serve.”
The promises of transparency, community voice and good governance were tested quickly.
The first public council meeting in February was cut short after heated behaviour in the gallery spilled into the chamber.
Acting on police advice, Koomen shifted subsequent meetings online to “preserve safety and order”, a move criticised by some residents but one he said upheld good governance.
Cr Koomen conceded “this term has not been without its challenges, with many bumps along the way”.
He was proud how councillors had bonded and tackled historical issues “head-on”, such as the Local Law controversy that sparked the February meeting shutdown.
“It was the first time we were tested as a new Council and we rose to the challenge.”
Casey faced unique pressures, such as its urgent need for infrastructure to keep pace with a rapidly-expanding population, Cr Koomen said.
He highlighted the “vital” need for a “reliable transport network” to connect Casey residents.
“I’m proud of the record funding commitments secured for the City of Casey through the Federal election, for major road upgrades and city defining infrastructure like the Women’s Centre of Excellence.
“We continue to advocate strongly to the State Government for investment in roads, public transport, and essential services.”
He also took public stands on wider issues, where, when the State introduced its new emergency services levy, Koomen called the charge “unfair” but acknowledged the city had no choice but to collect it.
In August, Koomen condemned extremist rhetoric at anti-immigration rallies, framing Casey’s diversity as its strength.
Ray Keefe (Managing Director Successful Endeavours), Grace Diep (Partnerships Development Manager. Federation University) and Les Zanati (Business Development Manager. A W Bell).
Cardinia Shire mayor Jack Kowarzik, Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti, federal MPs Cassandra Fernando, Mark Dreyfus and Julian Hill, federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres and SEMMA’s Peter Angelico and Honi Walker. ((Stewart Chambers: 505445)
GSEM chair Simon McKeon. (Stewart Chambers: 505445)
Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres (right) with SEMMA president Peter Angelico takes questions from the attendees. (Stewart Chambers: 505445)
Ian Cubitt (Managing Director, Catten Industries) asks a question to Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres. (Stewart Chambers: 505445)
Markus Spindler (General Manager Nissan Casting Australia) and Peter Angelico (President of the board SEMMA) 505445_02
Help keep the rabbits out
By Ethan Benedicto
A pest management strategy for the City of Casey is in the works, after calls for its development were unanimously passed during the September 16 council meeting.
This issue is not new, however, with residents speaking to Star News in February 2024 and as recently as August 2025, about the rampant issues that pests, specifically rabbits, have caused in the southern fringes of Casey.
Cranbourne Gardens Ward councillor, Michelle Crowther, introduced the additional motion and began by saying that over the last 12 months, she had heard from a number of residents “in southern Casey who have been impacted by the increasing rabbit numbers”.
“From the residents who are constantly replacing their gardens after rabbits have feasted on them, to the farmers whose paddocks and veggie farms are being severely damaged by rabbit holes and warrens,” she said.
She also spoke about natural environments with rabbits causing soil erosion and placing additional pressure on local endangered species, such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot.
Rabbits, while prominent, aren’t the only concern; Cr Crowther called for a report to return to council that outlines the pests “we should be addressing”.
“Whether it’s rabbits, foxes, cats, to give some baseline data and outline the areas of Ca-
sey impacted by these pests, plus a clear action plan of how to address the issue both long term and short term,” she said.
Moving forward, the report is due to be brought back to the council in February 2026 with an interim pest animal action plan, one with a focus on the current outbreak of rabbits in Southern Casey.
Those discussions will also look to outline a scope of work for a Casey-Wide Pest Management Strategy.
This includes the identification of the significant pests impacting Casey and the scope of the strategy, an engagement plan to seek input from other councils, stakeholders and land managers, and a plan to engage with and seek funding from stakeholders; this includes both State and Federal Governments.
Cr Dave Perry initially questioned the clarity of Cr Crowther’s proposed plan on covering the entirety of Casey, with the latter party later confirming that while Casey as a whole should be addressed by the plan, a greater emphasis on quick and immediate action was needed for the southern areas of the city.
Tooradin Ward councillor Jennifer Dizon seconded the motion, and she spoke on similar issues being raised in her ward, citing them as a “real problem”.
Speaking to the Tooradin Foreshore Committee, she said that the group have “raised serious concerns” about the issue, and “as cute as
rabbits are… they’re not good when it comes to damaging the foreshore, the farms, parks, and natural environments”.
“I’ve been in regular contact with council officers on this, and they’ve confirmed extra rabbit control works are planned for Devon Meadows, Pearcedale, Cannons Creek and Tooradin.
“They’ve also made it clear that a broader view of pest management across Casey is a main priority,” she said.
Covered by the Cranbourne Star News in 2024, it was recorded then that Botanic Ridge residents have been urging the council to solve a local rabbit plague after years of what was described as exhausting and futile battles with the species.
Richard Francis, president of the Vertebrate Pest Management Association of Australia, and a zoologist, said to Star that, as someone who works to remove rabbits in the Casey area, with 100 removed at the time of speaking, “you can’t tell the difference”.
Botanic Ridge resident Merv McCormack said that the area was crawling with rabbits in the early mornings and sunsets.
“They’re eating our roses, thorns and all. They’ve ruined a couple of my garden beds; we’ve had to take extra caution to put barri cades around our gates,” he told Star.
He further added that through a combina tion of productive agricultural land and the sand dune systems around Cranbourne and
Botanic Ridge, it heavily contributed to ideal conditions for rabbits to breed.
At the same time, a year later, a Junction Village resident, Marc Noyce, also told Star that the development and subdivision in the area caused rabbits to be forced out of their natural habitat.
As a consequence, Noyce, despite lining his garden beds and front yards with small fences, many of them were tilted, evidence he said of the rabbits’ persistent attempts to push their way through to the plants.
“The thing with rabbits is they’re very habitual, so once one finds something that tastes good, they will keep going back to that same spot until it’s not there anymore,” he told Star.
Back in the council meeting, other councillors weighed in on the issue, such as Deputy Mayor Melinda Ambros, who spoke about the prominence of damage that rabbits do to sporting facilities and grounds in her ward.
She added that rabbits have dug holes sometimes as deep as 20cm, causing children and other users of fields to trip and injure themselves.
“It’s not just impacting the surfaces, it’s also
Cr Michelle Crowther has called for a Casey-wide Pest Management Strategy, following an outbreak of rabbits in Southern Casey. (Stewart Chambers: 388057_09)
Cranbourne Gardens Ward councillor, Michelle Crowther.
Rabbits making their mark in Junction Village. (File)
Subscribe, for facts sake
On World News Day (28 September) we are reminded of a truth that cannot be ignored and this is that facts matter.
In an era where misinformation and mistruths are constantly amplified on social media, and where even the President of the United States routinely distorts reality, the role of trusted, independent journalism is more critical than ever.
Local media in Australia is a necessity. We are the eyes and ears of our communities, telling the stories that matter most, celebrating our achievements, challenging injustice, and documenting the everyday triumphs and struggles that define us.
Just as importantly, we act as a watchdog. We hold governments, corporations, and institutions accountable. We ask the questions that others would prefer to avoid. We shine light into dark corners.
When misinformation and half-truths circulate unchecked, the consequences are profound.
Communities lose trust.
Division deepens.
People act on falsehoods rather than facts.
At such times, local newspapers and news sites play a stabilising role, cutting through the noise and confusion with careful reporting, rigorous standards, and a commitment to truth and balanced reporting.
At Today and Star, we believe that journalism is not just a business, it is a vital piece of public infrastructure, a cornerstone of our democracy, and a shared responsibility.
Every story we publish carries the weight of trust our readers place in us, and every headline we write reaffirms our promise to serve the public interest above all else.
Without strong, independent local media, communities risk losing not only their voice but also their connection to one another. The threads that bind us fray when truth is undermined.
That is why, on World News Day, we join with newsrooms across the globe to say clearly: Choose truth, choose facts, choose balance and choose journalism.
Paul Thomas, Managing Director, Star News Group/Today Group.
They’re saying what we’re thinking - but don’t know how to say it
Is immigration really the villain? Let’s get real!
Everyday Australians are angry.
We hear it loud and clear.
Healthcare queues are growing.
Housing is out of reach.
Jobs feel harder to secure.
And as the pressure builds, the finger is being pointed – again and again - at immigration.
But truth be told, scapegoating immigration isn’t just unfair. It’s inaccurate. And it’s dangerous.
What do the numbers actually say?
Let’s break down the equation:
Net Overseas Migration (NOM) = Permanent migrants + Long-term visa holders (like skilled workers & parents) + Student visa holders.
It’s complex - but not sinister.
Yes, NOM added around 446,000 people in 2023–24.
That’s actually down from the previous year’s peak of 536,000 (but let’s also be mindful there was a two-year gap in immigration because of Covid).
The media calls it “mass immigration.”
But when you dig into the numbers, you realise we’re counting:
■ Skilled workers we invite to fill shortages (who pay around $10,000 for their visa).
■ Students who can only work limited hours and fill roles many Australians won’t.
■ Parents of citizens who pay up to $50,000 in visa fees and still don’t qualify for Medicare. These aren’t queue jumpers. They’re not
burdening the system. They’re paying into it.
In fact, most long-term and student visa holders are not eligible for Medicare or Centrelink.
So when hospitals and services are overwhelmed - is it really because of them?
Let’s get one thing straight on the housing crisis in the cities: most migrant visas are mandated regional placement conditions.
From skilled migrant pathways (subclass 491) to parent and student visas, many arrivals are required to live and work in regional areas for at least two years.
And that scheme is working.
But it is still not enough.
Regional towns are growing, prospering and revitalising.
Newcomers are picking fruit, working in aged care, rebuilding main streets, and reopening businesses that would otherwise shut.
Meanwhile, in metropolitan cities - where housing costs are driven by developers, zoning delays, investor demand, and a lack of social housing - we blame immigration. Why?
A broken housing system isn’t fixed by blaming migrants.
It’s fixed by investing in infrastructurewhere it is actually needed.
Let’s be honest.
Many Australians don’t want to work in the roles immigrants take up.
■ Fruit won’t pick itself.
■ Aged care centres and health care need carers.
■ Restaurants, hotels, farms, and retail outlets
are short-staffed. Many of these jobs are filled by students and skilled migrants - not citizens on JobSeeker/Centrelink.
So maybe it’s time to consider something bold:
If unemployment persists, and jobs remain vacant - perhaps it’s time we ask everyone receiving support to contribute through volunteering or community service, as apposed to creating “generational Centrelinkers”
The system does need fixing - but we can’t fix it by blaming the wrong people.
We need:
■ Clearer reporting on visa types, contributions, and capacity.
■ Civic participation and English education pathways that build belonging. No more astronomical taxpayer-funded interpreter services.
■ Political leadership that speaks plainly and honestly - not in fearmongering headlines or say what you need to get votes – enough already! The public needs to demand this to stop. We need to see through the rhetoric.
■ National values education for all - so “be-
ing Australian” means something more than just a passport. We need to clearly identify what it means to be Australian and create pride in everyone that wants to call this amazing country home.
Let’s build a society based on contribution, fairness, and shared identity - not one divided by fear, race, or resentment.
We are proud Australians of colour. We don’t fit into boxes.
We are not Aboriginal, not Anglo, and tired of being tagged as “diverse” or “other.” We don’t want to be tokenised, tolerated or told we’re lucky to be here.
We are here. We contribute. We belong. And we’re not going anywhere.
We cheer for the Matildas.
We celebrate Australia Day (about time we settled that debate which recurs in January every year)!
We raise our families here. We pay our taxes. And we’re just as invested in this country as anyone else.
Our Final Word:
Let’s stop letting the loudest voices hijack the conversation.
Let’s start listening - and leading - with truth, accountability and courage.
It’s not un-Australian to ask questions. It is un-Australian to spread blame and division.
Immigration is not the enemy. The system - and our response to it … is.
What do you think? Send your thoughts to dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au for a chance to be featured in the paper.
Mental health in the force
By Ethan Benedicto
As Blue Ribbon Day fast approaches, a former Joint Counter Terrorism officer said to approach the day with respect and awareness of the police force’s struggles, especially on the mental front.
Matthew Lamberth BM, now serving as the not-for-profit Fortem’s ambassador, said that with his lived experience of trauma, being able to speak about it, and having others recognise the journey, circumstances and effort, can go a long way.
“It’s a fantastic day to remember the police who have lost their lives, but also those who continue to serve the community,” he said.
Lamberth said that it’s not an easy job, adding that when the day comes around, officers should be heralded with a likeness to the respect given to those commemorated on Anzac Day.
“It’s not an easy job, and I think that police should be remembered for the service that they continually give to the community,” he said.
Lamberth was stabbed five times at Endeavour Hills police station in 2014, back when he was still
a member of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team.
Then 43 years old, Lamberth, alongside a Victoria Police officer, went to meet Abdul Numan Haider, who had been identified by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation as a person of interest.
They met Haider at the police station’s car park, and when they told him that they were going to search him, he pulled a knife from his jacket and stabbed the officer twice in his arm.
After, he went for Lamberth, stabbing him twice in the face, twice in the shoulder, and once in the centre of his chest.
Before he could stab him again, the police officer shot Haider and killed him.
Since the incident, Lamberth has been struggling with the impact on his mental well-being; since then, he has used that experience as a platform to help others, raising awareness for mental health and the impacts of PTSD, a message he would like to be heard during Blue Ribbon Day.
“Mental health is a big thing in policing, and I’m not going to compare it to the defence force because they are different, but it’s always about
Reflecting on tragedies on annual Blue Ribbon Day
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Ahead of Blue Ribbon Day, Acting Superintendent Scott Dwyer’s thoughts turn to fresh tragedy – the 11 police employees who have died in the past 12 months.
Some succumbed to illness, others include the tragic loss of Detective Leading Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, who were killed in Porepunkah last month.
As the manhunt for suspect Desi Freeman continues, the shootings are yet another “reality check” of the ever-present dangers of duty.
“When you think on tragedy, police are there to do a service and to keep the community safe –that’s what really drives us,” Dwyer says.
“Unfortunately those risks are ever paramount in what we do.
“But the desire to help and to secure a better community in which we live is a driving motivation for us.”
On Blue Ribbon Day - which coincides with National Police Remembrance Day on 29 September - Dwyer will visit a memorial march and service in Melbourne’s CBD.
He’ll also check-in on friends and collagues from across his 24-year career, and remember the 178 Victoria Police officers who have tragically died serving the community.
Front of mind will be Constables Steven Tynan and Damian Eyre, and Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller – killed in cold blood in 1988.
Dwyer was formerly working at Prahan police station, which observes an annual memorial for the four fallen officers.
“They - and Neal (Thompson) and Vadim (De Waart) - will be part of what I will reflect upon (on 29 September).”
As police officers “take stock”, it means a lot to see the community pay respects on the day, Dwyer says.
“It’s a reminder that the work we do is of value. It’s a chance for us to reflect on the influence we have on the community.
“It’s a really good leveller. And it reminds you why you joined in the first place.”
In Porepunkah’s aftershock, police were comforted by the warm embrace of the wider community.
Dwyer noted the massive floral tributes at Dandenong police station – which is 350 kilometres from the Porepunkah region.
“That really demonstrates what the community thinks.
“Every time there’s been a tragedy, the amount of support you get from the Victorian community is just amazing.”
Across 24 years of policing, Dwyer has worked as a CIU detective, Highway Patrol, as well as managing Box Hill’s Embona armed robbery taskforce and Eastern Region Crime Squad.
In his acting role, Dwyer oversees crime intelligence policing and community engagement across a vast southern and south-east Melbourne region, including Cardinia Shire, Casey and Greater Dandenong.
Despite the alarming crime rates and footage, Dwyer says the policing environment is different but no more risky.
“We live in a really safe area, when you look at Melbourne and Victoria. The vast majority of the community can walk around and remain safe.”
He says what has changed is the depiction of violence and the crime rate on mainstream media.
“With the interaction of social media and Facebook groups, the public have more ways in which to comment and report on it.
“Media outlets have an ability to attract vision, which is such a popular thing to view... Often the vision when you see it is quite confronting.”
There has been a rise in “displayed weapons”, he says. Such as the frequently-seen footage of young people armed with knives.
But that also might entail an element of perception.
As part of its drive to get weapons off the streets, Victoria Police searched 118 people in Dandenong’s CBD and railway station last month.
In eight hours, officers uncovered no knives or other weapons.
“That should give the community a degree of comfort,” Dwyer says.
“Unfortunately the perception of weapons and the reality of weapons can sometimes be a bit different.
“I can understand from a community point of view when they see the posts and the vision, there’s a concern that it’s prevalent and it’s everywhere.
“But what we find is that’s not the case.”
Dwyer assures the public that police are proactively “on the streets” and respond quickly “when you need us”. But that everyday “good stuff” doesn’t make the news or the stats.
“You can’t measure the crime that we’ve prevented.”
■ National Police Remembrance Day will be marked by a march and service on St Kilda Road, Melbourne on Monday September 29, from 10am.
■ An end-of-day service will be held at the police memorial at Springvale Botanical Cemetry, cnr Fifth & Sixth roads on Monday 29 September, 4pm.
the day-to-day toll it has on someone,” he said.
“The 29th of September is a good day to reflect on that and how it affects the lives of police officers.
“We have officers that have been killed, such as those two men in Porepunkah; we remember and honour their deaths, and we also focus on those still with us and making sure that they are as healthy as possible.”
Lamberth said that the importance of the day is honouring those who have served and their sacrifices, but also fostering an environment for those who are currently in the field.
He emphasised that it is “okay to say you’re not okay”, and encouraged local communities to push that message, even beyond the day of commemoration.
“When you see an officer, you can just say to them ‘thank you’, and that can go far,” he said.
“I understand that not all in the community have had good experiences with police, and I also understand that not all officers are good people, but for the vast majority of people, it all boils down to kind words.
“‘Thank you, ’ that’s all you need; of course, showing up to the ceremony and seeing everyone show their appreciation, to appreciate what these people go through, it’s nice to see.”
Bringing it from his own experiences, and to many he had spoken to, it’s recognising that police officers are people too, all “doing a job as best as they can”.
“They’re all doing a job to help and protect and serve the community, and at times, they put their lives on the line, and sometimes they lose them.
“It can be through violence, through suicide, and there are times when one’s mental health becomes detrimental.”
Since the incident, Lamberth has opened up on his experiences, taking on stages such as the United Nations Global Congress for Victims of Terrorism in 2022, and more recently, at the Frontline Mental Health Conference and the Leaders in Counter-Terrorism Conference.
“It’s not easy, but having members of the public show that kind of appreciation, it can go that distance,” he said.
No weapons found in Dandenong operation
No knives were found during Victoria Police’s weapons search operation in Dandenong on Thursday 18 September.
Acting Senior Sergeant Rob Guy, of the police’s Transit Safety Division, said the clean sheet was a “positive” after 118 people were searched in the eight-hour Operation Omni in the CBD and railway station precinct.
“These operations are all about deterrence,” he said.
“When no weapons are located – we see it as a positive.
“Prevention is key. We hope it’s a sign that people are getting the message: carrying weapons won’t be tolerated and you will be caught.”
Nine people were arrested, including those wanted on warrants and possessing drugs.
This included a 40-year-old woman who
was wanted on 10 outstanding warrants. Officers also detected a driver allegedly riding a modified quadbike.
The man was issued with two penalty notices for using an unregistered motor vehicle and using a vehicle not complying with the standards of registration.
He also had his bike impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1120.
The operation – led by transit police –was supported by specialist police from the Public Order Response Team and Mounted Branch.
Metro Trains authorised officers, based at Dandenong train station, also detected 78 ticketing offences.
Omni operations are conducted across the state to detect weapons and deter offending.
They are authorised under the Control of Weapons Act.
Acting Supt Scott Dwyer reflects on the lives of 178 Victoria Police officers tragically killed on duty.
Police and Metro Trains officers during a weapons search operation at Dandenong’s railway station precinct on Thursday 18 September. (Victoria Police)
Mounted Branch police supported Operation Omni in Dandenong. (Victoria Police)
A Life Well Travelled
Summerset Cranbourne North invites you to an exclusive travel information session, featuring the world of luxury travel with Scenic Tours and Emerald Cruises.
Join Scenic’s Sales Manager, Irina Petrova, as she presents the latest in Europe river cruising – including the enchanting waterways of France and Portugal. You’ll also discover Emerald Cruises’ elegant luxury yachts, sailing to breathtaking destinations such as the Adriatic, the Red Sea, the Seychelles, and the Caribbean.
Enjoy complimentary morning tea and coffee, speak directly with Irina, and take advantage of exclusive offers revealed during the session.
Free travel information session
Prizes to be won!
Saturday 4 October, 10am
Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au
Plus, by simply attending, you could walk away with a bottle of champagne—or even a $500 voucher towards a luxury stay at the Langham. Book your next getaway at the event and you’ll also be in the running to win a stylish luggage set.
Come and be inspired with ideas for post-retirement travel, before taking a tour of Summerset Cranbourne North. You’ll see how the village can serve as a supportive, secure home base while you’re off seeing the world.
RSVP by 1 October to secure your spot.
GEELONG CATS - AFL GRAN
GRAND FINALISTS 2025
Orchid show on the horizon
By Ethan Benedicto
Almost akin to last year, the cold weather tried, yet failed, to hamper the upcoming Berwick Orchids Club’s September spring show, as the flowers bloomed in preparation.
The plants, budding with life, have begun to soak in the warm spring sun, pushing through the recent hail and bouts of rain, as Murray Harding, president of the club, readies himself for a busy weekend.
“They’re a bit late, because the warmer weather’s sort of been holding off, but they’re also doing very nicely,” Murray said.
“You know, the season feels like it’s dragging its heels by a couple of weeks, but the club is moving and growing in leaps and bounds, I’m proud to say.”
The show will run this coming weekend, from Saturday, 27 September to Sunday, 28 September.
In 2024, there were over 600 people who attended, with Murray saying then that it was “the best show we’ve ever had”, and something he is looking to recreate, or maybe even surpass this year.
“Believe it or not, we’re in the top four clubs in the state for membership, we’re pretty close to 100 members, and we’re hoping that this show will attract enough people to join and put us past that number,” he said.
He said previously, having been, and continuing to be, an orchid judge for the event, Murray has heard that while there were other shows that were as big as the club’s, it was difficult to find one with a larger attendance rate.
In the meantime, Murray has surrounded himself with the plants in the greenhouse, watching as each blooms, and hoping that all will do so in time for a more than colourful display on the weekend.
Speaking on the preparation for the event, Murray said that “I don’t want to sound panicked, but I was before”.
“We’ve got hundreds of orchids that have yet to flower, and then there was a show coming up, and they were not quite there yet.
“But the last few days have been warm enough, so as long as we don’t have a cold
snap between now and the weekend, it’ll be alright,” he said.
Of course, once the panic subsided, Murray was excited to see so many come along to attend the event, whether it be long-time orchid
lovers or just residents who are keen to see some colour and beauty.
“Saturday is our biggest day of attendance, so I’m hoping for a lot of happenings that day,” Murray said.
Murray Harding with a Dendrobium Falcorostrum and holding a Dendrobium Jonathan’s Glory. (Rob Carew: 504983_02)
Fun abounds in Doveton
Despite the threat of looming rain, crowds flocked to the 20th annual Doveton Show on Sunday 21 September.
The affordable mix of rides, animals and en-
tertainment at Myuna Farm has long been a popular, cost-friendly alternative to the Royal Melbourne Show.
Thousands enjoyed the thrill rides, stage
Community awards now open
The City of Casey is inviting residents to give recognition to those they think have gone the extra mile to make their community a better place, with the Casey Community Awards opening for 2026.
Nominations are now open for the award, with the program celebrating remarkable individuals and groups whose contributions have improved the quality of life in the city.
Mayor Stefan Koomen said that the awards “are a chance to formally recognise the everyday heroes who make our city a better place to live”.
“It is a privilege to celebrate the passion, generosity and commitment of those who help build a stronger, more connected Casey.
“Their efforts enrich the lives of others and reflect the very best of our community spirit,” he said.
The council has encouraged that whether these people are volunteers, someone who is passionate in their profession, or a dedicated community member, these awards are all about honouring those who go above and beyond.
Berwick
Nunawading Highway Patrol officers nabbed a probationary driver from Berwick doing almost double the speed limit in Glen Waverley.
Officers intercepted the high-powered vehicle in the outbound lanes of the Monash Freeway at about 3am on Saturday 20 September.
It is alleged the 18-year-old P plater was travelling at 196km/h in a 100km/h zone.
It is expected the Berwick man will be charged on summons with exceeding the speed limit, speed dangerous, probationary driver driving a prohibited vehicle, and other traffic offences.
His Volkswagen Golf R was impounded for
The awards have been recognising outstanding community contributors for more than 20 years, highlighting exceptional individuals and groups in fields like sport, arts, multiculturalism, humanities and community services.
The nominations are open to all Casey residents, not just Australian citizens, across the following categories:
■ Casey Citizen of the Year
■ Casey Young Citizen of the Year
■ Cery Senior of the Year
■ Casey Woman of the Year
■ Casey Environment and Sustainability Champion
■ Casey Equity and Inclusion Award
■ Lindsay King Art Award
■ Casey Community Group of the Year
Nominations will close on Monday, 20 October 2025, and all finalists will be invited to a special awards ceremony in March 2026.
To learn more, please visit www.casey.vic.gov. au/casey-community-awards
shows, roving entertainers, showbags, farm animals, carnival games, food trucks, market stalls as well as meeting local emergency volunteers.
Show spokesperson Damien Rosario said the
milestone marks “two decades of fun, family and local pride”.
“The Doveton Show is more than an event, it’s a celebration of community spirit.”
30 days at a cost of $1050. Teen pair charged with alleged agg burg spree Two teens have been charged over an alleged serious crime spree including aggravated burglaries and car thefts across Melbourne’s South and South East.
A 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy were accused of offences across Hughesdale, Brighton, Gardenvale, Hampton, Dromana, Berwick and Dandenong between 15-18 September.
The 16-year-old boy was charged by Moorabbin CIU detectives with aggravated burglary, two counts of attempted aggravated burglary,
two car thefts, possessing a prohibited weapon without excuse, theft, failing to stop on police direction, obtaining property by deception, theft from motor vehicle, criminal damage, handling stolen goods, and driving whilst disqualified.
He was remanded to appear in a children’s court at a later date.
The 14-year-old girl was charged with car theft, theft, handling stolen goods, and obtaining property by deception.
She appeared in court and was bailed to appear again in a children’s court at a later date.
Info appeal on vehicle theft in Casey Central Victoria Police are investigating a carjacking that occurred at Casey Central Shopping Centre on 14 September, between 6:15pm and 7pm. Two offenders exited a stolen black Mitsubishi Outlander and made threats to the victim before stealing her vehicle.
Police are appealing to the public for any witnesses, footage, or information that can help in this investigation. Anyone able to provide such information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au and quote incident number 2503845965.
Anabella from Mulgrave and Caitlyn Kechichian from Hallam CFA work the hoses. (Gary Sissons: 502746)
Tyson and son Phoenix from Hampton Park, both loving this ride. (Gary Sissons: 502746)
Michael Prizeman a guitarist entertaining on the stage at Myuna Farm. (Gary Sissons: 502746)
A train ride around Myuna Farm’s animals. (Gary Sissons: 502746)
Mayor Stefan Koomen and Deputy Mayor Melinda Ambros with the 2025 Casey Community Award winners. (Supplied)
WHAT’S ON
Come and try baseball
Fun baseball activities with a pitching machine and training activities for all skill levels. Finishes with an exciting game and a free sausage sizzle and drink for all participants. For ages 4-17 years.
– Sunday 28 September, 10am-12pm at Police
Paddocks Baseball/Softball Precinct, 250 Brady Road, Endeavour Hills. Free event.
Canva masterclass
Learn to design and create your own invitations, posters and flyers with a Canva masterclass. This is a two hour session led by a digital expert.
- Wednesday 1 October, 10am-12pm at Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre, 141-147 Endeavour Drive, Cranbourne North; free event. Bookings required.
• Details: 9705 5200 or PositiveAgeing@casey. vic.gov.au
Walking netball
Walking netball is a modified version of netball that is slower and more inclusive. Play is at a walking pace. Running and jumping are not allowed.
- Wednesday 1 October, 11am-12.30pm at Olive Road Sporting Complex, 2-8 Frawley Road, Eumemmerring; free event.
• Details: 9705 5200 or PositiveAgeing@casey. vic.gov.au
Sequence in-line dancing
Our popular ‘Twinkle Toes’ event features beautiful ballroom music, perfect for sitting back and enjoying. You may like to join in our unique Sequence In-line dancing. No partner required.
- Thursday 2 October 2025, 2pm-4.15pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, 21a Bemersyde Drive, Berwick.
• Details: 9705 5200 or PositiveAgeing@casey. vic.gov.au
Mid-Autumn Festival
Families can enjoy traditional mooncakes, Chinese foods, cultural performances, and lantern displays, fostering connection and cultural appreciation. Presented by the Casey Friendship Association.
- Friday 3 October, 11am-3pm at 76 Power Road, Doveton; free event.
• Details: 9705 5200 or PositiveAgeing@casey. vic.gov.au
Multicultural Family Day
This free event features Welcome and Smoking Ceremony, emergency services vehicles on display, cultural performances, food trucks, a free sausage sizzle (10.30–11.30 am), market stalls, face painting, temporary tattoos, a petting zoo, popcorn, fairy floss and plenty more activities for the whole family.
- Saturday 4 October 2025, 10.30am-1.30pm at Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre, 141–147 Endeavour Drive, Cranbourne North. Free entry, all welcome.
Save the Date - Halloween 2025
Get your scariest costumes ready and come along to the Old Cheese Factory for a night of spooky, kids fun.
- Friday 31 October, 5pm-9pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick. Tickets on sale early October.
U3A Casey – Pyrographic Art
Calling all seniors to try this unique craft. Also known as Woodburning Art, Pokerwork or Wood Burning, this artistic craft can be done on wood, leather, cork, canvas. Wood is provided for free, and a pyrography tool is available for use during the first session. After your first try out, U3A membership is $30 (July to Dec) to continue with Pyrographic Art, or to take part in any of our other 75 classes.
- Mondays 10am to 12noon at Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris St, Lynbrook.
• Details: u3acasey.org.au or 0493 280 458 Scrabble in Berwick
Fridays 9.30am-12.00pm at Berwick Neighbourhood Centre, 112 High Street, Berwick.
• Details: David, 0433 566 456.
U3A Casey – Activities for Seniors
With over 580 members and 75 different classes, U3A Casey offers you a wide range of activities including Arts & Crafts, Music, Book Clubs, Social Clubs, Low-Impact Sports, Fitness, Cooking … and many more.
You can attend up to three classes for free to see if you like the classes before registering to join U3A Casey.
Membership from January to December is $60, or from July to December is $30, which allows you to choose to join any of our classes (subject to available vacancies).
• Details: u3acasey.org.au, 0493 280 458 or caseyu3a@gmail.com
Morning Melodies
Join us at Morning Melodies for heartwarming performances filled with the songs you know and love!
- 2nd Tuesday each month at Balla Balla Community Centre: Bookings: balla.balla.com.au or 5990 0900.
U3A Cranbourne
Social group for people over 50 with many interesting and creative activities. Gardens group, art and craft groups, calligraphy, scrabble, singing for fun, quilling, resin making, and card making, beginner ukuele and guitar, line dancing. Our membership fee of $50 per year entitles you to join as many classes as you wish.
• Details: www.u3acranbourne.org.au or 0493 991 919
Men’s Shed Junction Village Inc.
The Men’s Shed provides a facility for men’s mental health where men can come and enjoy each other’s company in a non-judgmental environment.
Retired men are most welcome to visit the Shed and have a chat/cuppa to check out our fully equipped Shed (lots of “toys” to play with!) and see what we do for the community. They do not need any woodwork experience as Shed members are happy to pass on their experience in an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere.
Shed members can also be seen cooking a sausage at Bunnings, displaying our projects at Botanic Ridge Village, or heading off to visit other sheds around the state (All good fun!)
We are located at 41 Craig Road, Junction Village and open on Mondays from 9.00 am to 11.30 am and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.00 am to 2.30 pm.
• For more information and a tour of our Shed, contact Garry on 0408 141 734.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
We meet weekly for a range of different events, including bus trips, community days, games, coffee and chat, bingo, dancing and carpet bowls.
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Weekly activity times - Line Dancing Mon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
• Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/ groups/487808127399953
Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre
The Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre is a friendly seniors Club and we can offer you many activities. Our main Club Day is on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 3:00pm. On the first Wednesday of the month, we enjoy socialising with our many members and, on the next three (3) Wednesdays, we have live entertainment wherein you can do some dancing or line dancing and if you wish, with an afternoon cup of tea and biscuits. We also hold weekly activities on other days during the week, which include the Garden Group, Indoor Carpet Bowls, Table Tennis, Line Dancing, Gentle Exercises and friendly Card Games.
• We are located at 192-196 Centre Road near the Narre Warren Station. Phone us on 9783 7112 or on Mobile 0426 736 467, or you can email us at: narrewarrenseniors@gmail.com for more information
Blind Bight Community Centre Craft gift making for adults from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Tuesdays.
Join in the craft gift making class and bring along your own craft to complete.
A variety of techniques and skills are shared, including mosaics, macrame, sewing and painting at $3 per class.
Playgroup from 10.30am to noon on Wednesdays.
The program provides fun play activities and craft for children at $5 per family.
Free knit and crochet from noon to 2pm on Wednesdays.
Line dancing from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesdays. All ages, and abilities welcome at $10 per class.
• For more information and for bookings, visit www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au
DAVIDS late of Unit 61/10 Warrandyte Road, Langwarrin, retired, deceased. Creditors, next-of-kin, and all others having claims in respect of the abovenamed deceased, who died on 26 January 2025, are required by the trustee, Ferriel Cresswell, care of Sharma Solicitors and Conveyancers, 70–72 High Street, Cranbourne, Victoria 3977, to send particulars of such claims to the trustee, care of the undermentioned solicitors, by 10 October 2025, after which date the trustee may convey or distribute the estate, having regard only to the claims of which the trustee then has notice.
Probate was granted in Victoria on 7 April 2025.
SOLICITORS AND
70-72 High Street, Cranbourne, Victoria, 3977. Ph: (03) 9118 2050
Southside begins to brew
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Southside Racing officially launched its 2025 Southside Carnival on Friday, unveiling a celebration of racing, entertainment, and community that will run from October through January.
The carnival kicks off with the Highview Accounting and Financial Pinker Pinker Night on Friday, 10 October, now featuring the Apache Cat Classic, which has found a new home on one of Southside’s most popular nights.
Pinker Pinker is the first of 22 race dates from October to January.
The action then rolls into the Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup (22 November) and Ladbrokes Pakenham Cup (13 December), followed by four huge Christmas night meetings, alongside 11 race dates hosted for the Moonee Valley Racing Club, before culminating with three high-energy Saturday Night Fever race nights in January.
The launch event also marked the debut of Southside Lager, created in collaboration with St Andrews Beach Brewery on the Mornington Peninsula.
Once home to Group One-winning racehorses that included Doriemus, Damien Oliver’s 1995 Melbourne Cup champion, the original stables have been transformed into a vibrant brewery and taproom.
Racing legend Damien Oliver was on hand to toast the new brew, a fitting moment as he marks 30 years since his Melbourne Cup triumph.
Southside Lager will be available from 1 October across Southside Cranbourne and Southside Pakenham racecourses, and in all Southside Racing venues.
Southside Racing confirmed the Leila Rose Foundation as its Pin for a Purpose charity partner for 2025.
Pins will be available from 10 October, with all proceeds supporting the Leila Rose Foundation’s vital work.
Southside Racing Chairman Sean Clarkson said the launch signalled the club’s most
ambitious carnival yet.
“The Southside Spring and Summer Carnival has become a celebration of everything we stand for, great racing, community spirit, and unforgettable experiences,” Clarkson said.
Captain Kirk tastes success at Kooweerup
The South West Gippsland Midweek Bowling Group continues to grow in popularity with 50 keen bowlers making their way to Kooweerup for the weekly challenge.
The forecast seemed reasonable for spring time, so the group kept its fingers crossed that this would be the case.
The group was greeted by Bev and John, while Vern was kept busy preparing the teams for the day.
Once the teams were prepared and teas and coffee were finished, we headed out to the green.
The weather certainly didn’t disappoint, it was a lovely day overall but a heavy wind was a challenge for many of the players.
But, wind or no wind, the quality of the bowls
was above reproach.
However, it was also quite a good day for the Royal Children’s Hospital, with many in a very charitable mood by sending down some wrongbias bowls…keep up the good work bowlers.
Anyway, as usual we have the winners and we have the rest.
The weekly winners on a score of 34 were Alex Martin (L), Cheryl Floyd (3) and Jimmy Kirk (S).
Runners up on a very close score of 33 were Margaret Hoy (3), Steve Banks (L), Katherine Bray (S) and Enid Johnston (2).
Best One Game winners on a score of 19 were Ron Fenton (S), Anne Shaw (L) and Max Summers (3).
Kooweerup always look after us excellently
and this week was no different.
Tim set up the green before we arrived and left Steve to look after the bar with help from Tracey who also looked after the kitchen.
As I say quite often, it is these wonderful volunteers who keep our group coming back week after week.
This week we will be meeting at Corinella to once again fight it out for team of the week.
Please be on site by 10am to allow time to prepare the teams.
Unfortunately with numbers generally reaching our capacity we will have to be strict on a 10am cut-off time.
Meanwhile till then, have fun and stay safe. Laurie Bell
“With Ladbrokes now partnered across both our racecourses, and exciting new initiatives like Southside Lager and our Pin for a Purpose partnership, we’re proud to be building something that truly belongs to the Southside.”
Infinity Cup back again
By Justin Schwarze
James Bathe Recreation Reserve in Pakenham will play host to one of the most anticipated community cricket events of the year this weekend.
Avengers Cricket Club is hosting the fifth installment of The Infinity Cup, in which two cricket tournaments will take place across Saturday and Sunday.
A men’s tournament over both days features 14 teams in a tennis ball T10 competition, while the women’s tournament will see five teams take to the field on Sunday for a Throwball competition.
The action starts at 10am on Saturday with both ovals at the reserve being used in a cricket bonanza following the trophy unveiling from sponsors.
The women’s tournament kicks off on Sunday from 10am whilst the men’s edition continues in another action packed day.
The event is in support of the Friends of the Children Foundation charity.
Winners of the weekly challenge were Alex Martin, Cheryl Floyd and Jimmy Kirk. (Supplied: 504738)
Runners up at Kooweerup were Margaret Hoy, Steve Banks, Katherine Bray and Enid Johnston.
Best One Game winners were Ron Fenton, Anne Shaw and Max Summers.
Damien Oliver enjoying a frosty cold Southside Lager alongside his Melbourne Cup winner Doriemus. (Supplied)
Narre’s sweet redemption
By Blair Burns
Feelings of hurt, frustration and disappointment drove Narre Warren’s Under-19 side to a premiership this season, successfully achieving redemption on last year’s heartbreaking finals exit.
While the move to the Southern League turned over a new leaf, memories of going undefeated in 2024 and exiting finals in straight sets sat at the back of the players’ minds.
This made celebrations even sweeter on the weekend as the Magpies defeated Murrumbeena by 14 points to win the Under-19s Division 1 grand final.
After finishing as minor premiers this season with a 15-3 record, the stage was set and it was fourth-placed Murrumbeena who was the challenger.
Coach Mark “Normy” Kristalyn said last year’s finals exit made him and the entire playing group even hungrier this season.
“Personally that drove me and a fair chunk of our group which was good, we didn’t want to let that happen again,” he said.
“The boys worked their asses off to get there, but we weren’t just happy to get there, we wanted to win and fortunately we got the job done.”
Kristalyn said there was no complacency, with a few losses keeping the players grounded.
“Being 15-3, we obviously got beaten a few times this year, Bentleigh (second), Port Melbourne (third) and Frankston (fifth) knocked us over late in the season,” he said.
“It was good to lose that one because it gave us a bit of a reminder that we had to stay on our game.”
Despite the Lions controlling the first half of the opening quarter, Narre Warren made the most of its forward entries to kick three straight goals, establishing a 15-point lead at the first break.
The goals came through Luca Pascuzzi, Toby Griffiths and Austin Fardell, all in the space of seven or eight minutes.
“We steadied and found some composure and once we got one goal, we soon added another two, which was a pleasing way to start the game,” Kristalyn said.
The Lion drew first blood in the second quarter, before ruckman Liam McGuinness, who was playing a blinder; hit the scoreboard to extend the margin back to 15 points.
The arm-wrestle continued with both sides missing chances, until Dakotah Maxwell put the Magpies up by 23 points at the main break.
But Murrumbeena added two goals in the third quarter and it was anyone’s game, with the
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE MAGPIES AND FALCONS TASTE GLORY
Lions coming home strong.
“At three quarter time, we might’ve been a couple of goals up, but I wasn’t happy with how we were going,” Kristalyn said.
“We were just going through the motions, so I gave them a fair bit of a spray.”
The game opened up a bit in the fourth quarter and when Narre Warren kicked the first two goals of the quarter, it appeared as though the Magpies were home, leading 51-26 … but Murrumbeena had one last effort.
The Lions piled on the next three goals of the game to bring the margin back to just seven points, making for a tense final 10 minutes.
“We steadied and kicked the next goal (through Austin Fardell) which broke their hearts a bit,” Kristalyn said.
Narre Warren held on to win by 14 points, tasting premiership glory for the second time in three years after they also won back in 2023.
After a combined 30 senior games throughout the season, captain Jimmy Dwyer, Ethan Kennedy and Julian Goerlitz were instrumental in the victory, Kennedy earning the best on ground medal for his dominant performance.
“Jules and Ethan were among the best in most games they played in the seniors as well, Jules is actually still eligible for 19s next year, but I don’t think we will see much of him,” Kristalyn said.
It was hard work which created the success, with the players hitting the track straight after last year’s devastating preliminary final loss to Officer by three points.
“Within two weeks, led by our co-captains Jimmy Dwyer and Riley Curran, the boys started training one night a week before the seniors even did,” Kristalyn said.
“It was mid-October when we started training, and it was all driven by the leaders which was awesome.
“Jimmy is like another coach, he is a really composed fella and a great footballer who leads from the front – he has a big future.”
From the bottom to the top...Falcons incredible season
By Blair Burns
Endeavour Hills was unbeatable in the second half of the Southern Division 2 Under-19s season, winning 13 consecutive games to taste the ultimate success and return to Division 1.
The Falcons were too strong for Hampton last week to win a thrilling grand final by 15 points, 7.11 (53) to 4.14 (38).
Coach George Kountourogiannis was “ecstatic” with the victory, crediting the players and his coaching staff for their support and commitment throughout the year.
“I was really thrilled for the boys, they have had a huge buy-in … they got together at the last minute and nobody really knew each other as we only had about six or seven players from 2024,” he said.
“It was really pleasing to see all of the effort they put in, and the reward was a premiership at the end of the day.”
It has been a meteoric rise for the Falcons in the space of six short months, who at the start of the year were no certainty to even have a team.
“It was a difficult and challenging period, I wasn’t even sure if we would have an Under19s team, we were trying to negotiate with Narre Warren at that stage, because we knew they had around 60 players,” Kountourogiannis said.
To set the scene a little more, the Falcons had just been relegated from Division 1, they won two games last year and had been smashed with injury.
The culture wasn’t great and there had been issues with player behaviour last season, two
things that Kountourogiannis was determined to fix quickly.
“Priority number one was our behaviour, there were a lot of internal punishments, game suspensions and actual fines as well – we tried to nip that in the bud quickly,” he said.
“We fixed those things up from day one and there was a big tick there. Then we built the bond and connection between the players and coaches, which went a long way.”
The team found players from near, far and everywhere to form a team which would go on to achieve something special.
Kountourogiannis is a big believer in statistics, analytics and video analysis to help the de-
velopment of the players, and when Hampton “flogged” the Falcons by 84 points in round 3, he and his three coaching assistants got to work.
On top of that, they also lost three of their first four matches, before going on a ridiculous 13-game winning streak to finish the year with a flag.
“We started to really gel together, get the buyin, and focus on what we needed to do to bridge the gap against Hampton, looking at things we weren’t getting right,” Kountourogiannis said.
“The mindset was; regardless of where we are on the ladder or scoreboard, let’s have a crack and try to get the best out of each other.
“Hampton hadn’t lost to anyone until we
beat them in round 10, we had them in the last round of the year and got them again.”
Then finals rolled around and the Falcons did it again … winning by two points against the Hammers to advance to the season decider.
After winning the toss, Endeavour Hills elected to kick against the wind with the knowledge that Hampton always outscored them in the final quarters, hoping to rewrite that narrative and come home strong.
But the Falcons were convincingly beaten early and Hampton had seven shots from 16 entries, numbers that concerned the coaches.
“Thank goodness they couldn’t kick straight at first, otherwise it could’ve been a different story – but credit also goes to our boys for the pressure which made their shots on goal challenging,” Kountourogiannis said.
The second term was better for the Falcons, locking down Hampton star Noah Green and getting some good looks at goal thanks to Mitch Grant’s midfield dominance.
At half time, they had taken their chances to lead 3.3 (21) to 0.8 (8), but the Hammers began to surge, kicking three goals in the third and another one in the fourth.
Despite this, Endeavour Hills held on by 15 points with Grant receiving the best on ground medal for a brilliant performance.
Nikolas Christodoulou led the way for the Falcons up forward, booting three goals in the low scoring contest, while the open grade also won the grand final, capping off a brilliant day for the club.
Endeavour Hills won the Under-19 Division 2 premiership, knocking off minor premier Hampton by 15 points. (Supplied)
Narre Warren was too strong for Murrumbeena, winning the Southern Under-19s Division 1 grand final by 14 points. (Supplied)
Success to Pouki’s Seagulls
By David Nagel
Tooradin-Dalmore continues to be the benchmark of reserves football in West Gippsland after the Seagulls claimed their third WGFNC title against Nar Nar Goon on Saturday.
Since moving to the WGFNC in 2019 the Seagulls have played in all five grand finals; either side of the 2020 and ’21 seasons interrupted by Covid.
In 2019 the club won its first ever reserves premiership after Jake Genoni kicked a goal after the siren to break Kooweerup hearts by four points.
Craig Perrott was coach of that drought-breaking success, while Nick Pouki was captain.
The Gulls went back-to-back in 2022, with Pouki now coach and Jack Denereaz the on-field leader.
Pouki and Denereaz have tasted defeat over the last two years, to Inverloch-Kongwak and Nar Nar Goon, but now return to the top step of the premiership dais.
The Seagulls 10.9(69) to 2.3(15) success was built by a dominant display through the middle stages of the match.
Tooradin’s first goal, after three minutes of play, gave an indication of things to come.
Key forward Lauchlan Gregson crashed a pack and hit bodies hard, with a crumbing Andrew Proctor doing likewise…smashing through a tackle to kick the game’s opener.
Proctor not only hurt the Goon on the scoreboard, but sent defender Bailey Christie from the field after his bone-crunching attack at the football.
The Goon took a deep breath…composed itself …with reserves stalwart Nick Bransgrove settling some nerves with a quick reply just a minute later.
But that was basically the end of the challenge for the Goon, who would concede eight consecutive goals until Bransgrove would strike again; four minutes into the last.
Between Bransgrove’s pair of six-pointers, it was party time for the Seagulls.
Gregson gave the Gulls an eight-point lead at quarter time after capitalising on some terrific link-up play at stoppage from ruck Ray Lengyel and midfielders Nick Lang and Justin Smaluch.
Talented forward Anthony Mirauta then began the second quarter with a bang, snapping a miracle goal over his right shoulder with his left boot.
The Gulls never looked like conceding with Luke McKenna, Adam Galea and Denereaz leading a strong defensive unit that was being well supported by a midfield applying high pressure.
Jake O’Donnell proved far too clever in the goalsquare, scrambling one through from close range, and when Mirauta took a great contested mark and kicked the last of the second quarter the Gulls were 27 up at half time.
Mirauta then struck again, five minutes into the third, his strong hands and clinical finishing making it 33 points the difference.
But the destination of this year’s premiership cup, well it truly ended at the 10-minute mark of the third quarter.
Liam Hill received a handball on the boundary line, deep on the half-forward flank; then ran his full measure before kicking a checkside goal on the run.
It was 42 points now, and a fantastic crumbing goal to Lang then made it an eight-goal ballgame
WEST GIPPSLAND FOOTBALL NETBALL COMPETITION RESERVES - GRAND FINAL REVIEW
at three-quarter time.
Ben Sellings then kicked the first of the final term, before Bransgrove answered, and then Lang signed off with the last goal with just a minute left in the match.
The Gulls were basically dominant from start to finish, with Mirauta snagging three for the afternoon and Lang rock-solid with two.
Players with senior experience really stood up for the premiers, with O’Donnell, McKenna, Galea, Lang and Lengyel among the better players on the ground.
Lengyel was solid in the ruck, earning the umpire’s vote as best player on the ground.
Bransgrove was the only scoreboard contributor for the Goon, ending the day with his two, while Max McGreal, Tom Nicholls and Zac Smith were all serviceable soldiers on the day.
Pouki said it was a special win to be a part of, with stalwarts of the club in Galea, McKenna and O’Donnell entering their retirement phase with a bang.
Pouki’s four-year stint also came to a close, handing over the reins to assistant Daniel Stafford for the 2026 season.
“I get pretty emotional when I think about the journey we’ve been on in West Gippsland,” Pouki said.
“It was (former senior coach) Lachie Gillespie who was the one who set the scene from the outset.
“He said if we can go into West Gippsland with
some belief and system in what we do, it will begin this culture where people want to be here.
“We were battling in the twos, pulling guys out of the pub, but now we treat the twos exactly like we treat the seniors.
“Train two nights, have reviews, have meetings, we film all our games, it’s a more relaxed environment but a very special thing to be a part of.
“People can only dream of playing in grand finals…but we’ve played in five.”
Pouki said it was special for Galea, McKenna and O’Donnell to sign off with premiership medals around their neck.
“You don’t usually get fairytale endings like this; but to be coaching some of the club’s absolute greats to a premiership, albeit reserves, is something very special for me.”
RESERVES
TOORADIN-DALMORE 2.2 5.3 8.710.9(69) NARNARGOON
Tooradin-Dalmore Goals: Anthony Mirauta 3, Nicholas Lang 2, Lauchlan Gregson, Liam Hill, Jake O’Donnell, Andrew Proctor, Ben Sellings.
Best: Jake
Luke McKenna, Adam
O’Donnell,
Galea, Nicholas Lang, Ray Lengyel (Medal), Anthony Mirauta.
Coach: Nick Pouki. Captain: Jack Denereaz. Nar Nar Goon Goals: Nicholas Bransgrove 2. Best: Max McGreal, Thomas Nicholls, Zac Smith, Jai Hamilton, Jack Gribbin, Lachlan Graham.
Gun Tooradin-Dalmore defender Adam Galea shows his renowned strength in this one-on-one battle with Nar Nar Goon’s Nick Bransgrove. (504162)
The Tooradin-Dalmore team was calm and confident before the game. (504162)
Ray Lengyel was awarded best on ground honours for a wonderful display in the ruck. (504162)
Skipper Jack Denereaz and coach Nick Pouki begin the celebrations after Tooradin’s reserves win over Nar Nar Goon. (Rob Carew: 504162)
